The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have lost Mike Evans, but they’re keeping another star player who was thought to be one who would exit the franchise upon the free agency period opening up. Fortunately, tight end Cade Otton has decided to stay in Tampa Bay – and he has good reason to given the contract deal he’s signed with the Bucs.
Here’s everything you should know about Cade Otton’s deal with the Tampa Bay Bucs as he has decided to stay put on Florida’s gulf coast.
The Deal Between Bucs & Otton Is Worth $30 Million With a Large Guaranteed Percentage
GettyTAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 08: Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.
Ari Meirov first reported the details of Cade Otton’s deal with the Tampa Bay Bucs on X around 4:30 PM EST on March 9, 2026. The deal will last for a three-year contract worth a maximum of $30 million, a type of deal that isn’t unusual in the league. However, to honor Otton’s contributions to the franchise in the past and his talent moving forward, the Bucs have guaranteed $20 million of the total amount.
Contract terms: The #Bucs re-signed TE Cade Otton to a 3-year, $30M contract with $20M guaranteed.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 9, 2026
The contract averages $10 million per season, signaling the team’s confidence in Otton’s value within the offensive scheme. It also places him in the middle tier of starting tight end salaries across the NFL while reflecting the consistent production he’s exhibited within the Buccaneers’ franchise.
Many Analysts & Observers Thought Otton Would Leave Tampa Bay
In making one of their most significant moves of the 2026 NFL free agency period, the action of retaining the tight end is by far an optimal move by the Bucs regardless of the amount agreed upon in contract negotiations. However, the deal does keep one of the offense’s most reliable contributors securely set in Tampa Bay and ensures continuity at a key position as the franchise reshapes its roster for the coming seasons. However, there were signs which misled many analysts, observers, and fans alike to believe that Cade Otton was making his imminent exit from Tampa Bay when the free agency period hit. It was presumed that he wouldn’t stay with the Bucs, yet the good news is that he did.
Even Cade Otton gave the impression that he presumably wouldn’t stick around the Tampa Bay area with an Instagram post on February 23, 2009 that included the caption “Can’t wait to see what the rest of 2026 brings” alongside a carousel of pictures from various events in his life and football career over the past several months. The photo that peaked fans’ interest and gave the false impression that Otton would be leaving the Bucs was the final picture of the reel – in which Otton is photographed with his back to the camera as though he was walking away from Tampa Bay. Fortunately, though, he’s staying – and he’s got a great deal to keep him exactly where is now!
The Bucs Have Retained a Star Player With a $30 Million Deal